Progress Report Time

They all trickle in; some with signs of accomplishment on their faces while others drag in with disbelief. Every teacher recognizes it for what it is. It’s either going to be a good day or one that you dread. The latter is described as a day where the teacher is being blamed for the low grades that students received on their progress report. If we hear it once, we hear it a thousand times. “She/he gave me a(n) _____ (fill in the letter grade of your choice).” There is nothing that annoys me more! They cannot seem to understand that the grade reflected on their progress report is simply no more or less than what they earned. It’s not easy for a student to swallow the pill of reality, even when you show them their grades in the grade book in black and white. Getting them to accept responsibility for their grade as well as their need for improvement is often impossible.

As the day was ending and the last student with a complaint had left, I reviewed the events of my day. I thought to myself “What if I received a progress report from God? What kind of “grades” would I earn? Of course the progress report wouldn’t have subjects like Reading, Math, Science, or Social Studies but more than likely have subjects like Faith in God, Forgiveness of Trespasses, Prayer Life, Study of the Scriptures, Stewardship, and Compassion for Others.  If I were honest with myself, I would have to say that in some areas I would have an “NI” (Needs to Improve). I would like to think that I wouldn’t act like the students and blame the teacher if my grade is not “passing”. Or would I? The way I see it, for us everyday is progress report time and whether we want to admit it or not our “grades” are being recorded.  We need to evaluate our walk with God daily. We are held accountable for everything we do. Our spiritual growth depends on us. We should not be at the same place that we were at last year. Everyday we should be growing to be more like Him. Let’s accept responsibility for our own progress report and make the necessary changes, today!

~ Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

~ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)